Part 1: Gift Ideas for Adoptive Parents

The holiday season is upon us and many gatherings involve gift giving. Gifts can come from different places, such as store-bought or homemade. On many occasions, the giving of a gift can be an extremely thoughtful gesture. This blog entry will consist of two parts. The first part will focus on gift ideas for adoptive parents and part two will be suggestions on gifts for birth mothers.

Gifts Ideas

There are several different holidays and occasions that are appropriate for gift giving. These can be good opportunities to recognize adoptive parents through unique presents that celebrate the experience of adoption. Therefore, adoptees may want to express their feelings related to adoptive parents in a different way by buying or creating a gift specifically for them.

The relationship between adoptees and their adoptive parents can be considered to be a very special relationship, unlike any other in their lives. They go through a lot of ups and downs emotionally together; but, at the end of the day, the adoptive parents remain by their sides.

Gift ideas can come in all shapes and sizes and from different people in the adoptive families’ lives. Of course, the adoptee should never feel pressured into giving a gift of any kind. For some, gift-giving may be emotional or stressful, especially as relates to their adoptive parents. For those adoptees, family members and friends who are interested in gift-giving, they can look to the suggestions described in this blog as possible options for good gifts for the adoptive parents.

Adoptees to Adoptive Parents

Gifts for the adoptive parent or parents can come from different people in their lives. When the gift you are receiving comes from your adopted child it can be both memorable and emotional. Adoptive parents that receive these gifts, whether purchased or handmade, the thoughtful gesture behind the gift can be the most memorable.

For an adoptee, gift giving can be confusing. There may be a concern that the parent’s response to the gift reflects the love they have for the adoptee, and that the gift itself can cause them to love the adoptee less or more. The list below are suggestions for the adoptee to consider. Some of the ideas consist of spending money, creating handmade gifts, as well as, spending quality time together, one-on-one between the adoptee and the adoptive parent/parents.

The following are examples of gifts adoptees may want to consider for their adoptive parent or parents:

Personalized Gifts: Etsy is a source for purchasing personal items for gifts. The items sold on the website can range from handmade scarves, glass wear, wooden crafts, and jewelry. There are different items adoptees can search for when looking to give something special for their adoptive parents. Necklaces can be a wonderful touch to give for adoptive parents from the adoptee. com is often able to create any style and unique engravings that are specified by the customer. You can have sayings, names, dates and much more engraved and etched into the jewelry pieces you are considering buying, as shown in the photograph of the engraved necklace, “love > dna.”

I.Y Cards: These are also known as, “Do It Yourself” cards that adoptees can create as gifts. There are websites that can help create DIY cards, such as Snapfish.com, or Shutterfly.com. Sites like these can be accessed online. Most card making sites have user-friendly steps, and tips to help simplify the process at creating one of a kind cards. However, if the adoptee does not feel creating a card online is a gift he or she wants to give, a store-bought card that has handwritten words from the adoptee can still be given as a meaningful gift. Only the adoptees can judge what is the best gift for their adoptive parents.

Photographs: Throughout the years there may have been memorable moments that were shared and captured. The photograph could be of the adoptee, or of the adoptee with their adoptive family. Either way, a photograph chosen by the adoptee can be a wonderful keepsake for the adoptive parent or parents. Pictures in frames, and/or collages can be great ways of displaying different photographs from their lives.

One-on-One: Time spent together can be one of the most memorable and important things an adoptive individual can do not only for the adoptive parent/s but for themselves. Whether the adoptee decides to spend a nice day at the park, go out for lunch or share a massage experience, time together for adoptive individuals and their families can foster bonding and a closer relationship between family members.

Family and Friends of Adoptive Parents

Friends and family of the adoptive parents who may have been part of a support system throughout the adoption process or after the child’s arrival may feel the need to give a gift for different occasions and holidays. Friends and family members may not be familiar with the topic of adoption. Therefore, gift giving may be a confusing thing for them to do. When gifting presents surrounding adoption friends and family should be careful to not overstep their boundaries or make the adoptive family feel uncomfortable by their gift.

The following list offers a few suggestions on what can be considered as gifts for adoptive parents before and after the adoption:

Adoption Baby Books: There are many types of books available for babies such as picture books, touch and feel baby books and more. It’s especially meaningful to find a book targeted for those who have gone through the process of adoption. Adoption baby books can be hard to find but when found they are a really helpful gift for the adoptive parents.

The website, Adoptiongifts.com has a nice selection of adoption books for expecting or current adoptive families. One such book, “Over The Moon” by Karen Katz, tells a story about, “A long-awaited baby girl is born, and the adoptive parents who have been dreaming of her fly far, far away to bring her home.” There are many other books such as, Over the Moon, that discuss positivity, tips, and suggestions surrounding the topic of adoption. These adoption books can be helpful for not only the adoptive parent or parents but the development of the adoptee.

Food: Bringing homemade food over for the families of the newly adopted baby or child can be very helpful to the adoptive family. The adoptive parents or parent are probably spending much of their time with the baby, making sure the baby has anything he/she may need, therefore, not much time to cook home cooked meals for themselves. It is a very thoughtful gesture that can be a wonderful gift to consider.

Framed Photo: New and current adoptive families may enjoy photographs or frames of the adopted child or children. Friends celebrating a wonderful time for the family is very important to the adoptive family. It shows support and love to the adoption. They have spent all these months and possibly years on the journey to adoption and would love friends and family having a keepsake item for them to have.

Flowers, Cards, and Baskets: The simple pleasure of flowers, cards, and basket arrangements are all gifts that are still considered as thoughtful gifts for adoptive families. These types of gifts can be done any time of the year. The personal touches can be seen in types of flowers, the words left in the cards and the arrangements of items placed in the basket. Adoptive families always need support from those they are closest to. Although bringing home the new baby or child is a joyous time for them it can still be a stressful one because of the many tasks and adjustments needed to care for a new family member.

Conclusion

Gifts are wonderful things to give to adoptive parents. If the gift is coming from the adopted individual, it can be a stressful, emotional and meaningful process. The adoptee may have gone through a lot of ups and downs in their lives before being adopted and later with the adoptive parents by his or her side. Often these are things the outside world may never truly understand. Overall, gift giving can be a wonderful thing for an adoptee to do. It is a way for them to express and show how grateful they are for the care, love and support the adoptive parents continue to give and show them.

Family and friends are also among the group of people who bring great joy to the adoptive parents or parent. Some may have been on the adoption journey with the couple or single parent, or they got closer because of the adopted individual. Gifts are a wonderful touch to show how much you care for someone, but it really comes down to the thought of what you are giving to the ones you care for so much. What adoptive parents need most, though, is love, support, and friendship from the individuals closest to them.

Social Media

Stephanie joined the staff of Adoption Choices of NV as a Birth Parent Counselor in July 2015. With over ten years of experience working in the area of Child Welfare, both with governmental and private agencies, she was a welcomed addition. Stephanie has a Bachelor’s in Social Work from UNLV. When not working she enjoys spending time with friends and family. Stephanie is a huge animal lover and keeps busy with her own three furbabies at home.

Jackie Gay, LCSW

Adoption Social Worker

I have been with Adoption Choices of Nevada for the past seven years as a Home Study Specialist. I have been a social worker for 27 years and a clinical social worker for 20 years. My education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the California State University, Sacramento with an emphasis on children and families. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, skiing and reading biographies.

Meg Steinitz, LSW, MSW

Adoption Social Worker

I have worked in adoption and child welfare since 2001 and have been with Adoption Choices since 2013. I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from USC and am a Licensed Social Worker in Nevada. I work with Birth Parents and Adoptive Parents throughout Northern Nevada and seek to empower clients to make the best possible decisions for themselves, their family and their child. My experience working in the foster care system gave me an appreciation of the importance of permanency for children, and I love being a part of the creation of forever families.

Cindy Johnson, LSW

Adoption Counselor

I have over twenty-years experience working with birth families and their children. I have been employed with Adoption Choices of Nevada for almost four years as a Birth Parent Counselor. I have been involved in forming and leading the Birth Parent Support Group in the Reno office. Married with five children, three of which are adopted. Professional Trainer and Child Advocate.

Lainie Burak, LSW, MSW

Child Placement Director

My name is Lainie Burak, and I am the Child Placement Director for Adoption Choices of Nevada. I have a Master’s in Social Work and have been working in the adoption field since 1999 and for Adoption Choices since 2008. As Child Placement Director, I spend time supporting both adoptive and birth parents on their journey to adoption. I know that adoption can be somewhat confusing and difficult, and my goal is to help provide support and information along the journey. Being adopted myself, I am passionate about honesty and integrity in adoption, and I hope to help others by sharing my personal and professional experience.

Maire Burgess, LASW

Executive Director

I have been a social worker since 1972 and have practiced primarily in the area of children and families. I retired from the State of Nevada and Washoe County Social services ten years ago. I supervised the Adoption Unit in both agencies for more than 13 years. I have been the Executive Director of Adoption Choices of Nevada since its inception in 2008. I have an amazing staff in both the Reno and Las Vegas offices; they make me and the agency look great. I have an enormous passion for adoption and take great pride in the client centered services my staff brings to both the Birth and Adoptive Parents during their journey to a successful adoption.

Erica Palmer

Office Assistant

I started at adoption Choices of Nevada in August 2016. I’m the newest member of the team as an Office Assistant. I love working with these girls. We truly feel like a family.

Jo McLaughlin, MA, LASW

Director of Social Services

Jo McLaughlin, MA, LASW, has been the social service director for the last 7 years. As a 41 year resident of Las Vegas, over half of those years have been working in the adoption field. Jo has a Master’s in Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Social Work. Jo: “I believe that working with pregnant women has always been my calling, this is a ministry more than a job.” Jo believes strongly in adoption and walking the journey with all parties of the triad is a blessing. Jo has been married for 38 years and they have grown daughters.

Faith Smith

Office Manager/Paralegal

I have been the Office Manager/Paralegal for the Reno Office since 2010 I just completed courses for my Associate Paralegal Degree. I feel very blessed to share in a moment the adoptive family bonds with their baby and the birthmother. There is no greater love or sacrifice than the love for a child.

Required Documents

Birth Certificates

Financial Statement

Divorce Decree from previous marriages (if applicable)

Home Study (and update if applicable) (two copies with original signatures from your home study professional)

HIV, Hep B and Hep C test results

Income tax returns for the last three years (first page only)

Verification of Employment (letter from employer) and current employment history (where and for how long)

Copy of Native American Heritage enrollment (if applicable)

Marriage license or domestic partnership

Verification of medical insurance under which the child will be covered

Military Discharge (if applicable)

Updated physician reports

Five reference letters, with phone numbers for purposes of verifying. Nevada Applicants: We will send the reference forms to the references you provide on your application.

Copy of Social Security Cards, Driver’s Licenses, or Passports

State Bureau of Investigation report, fingerprint check, Sex Offender and Child Abuse Registry, where available

Profile Book and “Dear Birthparent Letter” (5 copies)

Ebony Clayton, LCSW

Home Study

Ebony Clayton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Utah and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Las Vegas Nevada. Ebony also has a minor in Sociology.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Ebony provides individual, family, and couples psychotherapy as well as group treatment. She believes in treating the whole person and tailors treatment to meet each individual’s needs and treatment goals.

Ebony joined Adoption Choices in 2016 to provide Home Studies for Adoptive Families. Ebony has worked with foster and adoptive families for more than 12yrs and enjoys providing them with support and guidance.

Amanda Travers, LSW

Adoption Social Worker

Amanda Travers, LSW, received her Bachelor’s Degree from UNLV School of Social Work in 2008 and is licensed as a LSW by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers. She has been in practice for a little over 8 years both as a Social Work Case Manager for the state of Nevada as well as Adoption Social Worker for Adoption Choices of Nevada. Amanda is a 20+ year resident of Las Vegas, moving here from southern California in 1991. She has been married to her wonderful husband for 9 years and is a mother of two beautiful children. She is passionate about her work and has made it her life’s mission to help insure a better quality of life for all who are in need. The three most important things to Amanda are her family, friends, and faith.

Caitlin Cafero

Office Assistant

Caitlin Cafero is the Administrative Assistant. She has been employed with Adoption Choices of Nevada since March 2013. She is responsible for the daily office tasks. She assists the Office Mgr. and Director to help their jobs be a little easier. Her favorite part about her job is seeing families being created. Caitlin was born and raised in Las Vegas. She is married and they have two very energetic little boys. In her free time she enjoys spending time out doors with her family.

Kristin Cirimele

Office Manager

Kristin Cirimele has been employed by Adoption Choices of Nevada since February of 2011. She started out as the Office Admin and is now the Office Manager. She is responsible for overseeing our office and making sure everything is running smoothly. Kristin is also responsible for assisting Adoptive parents who want to get started with our agency.

Her background is a BA in Psychology and almost 15 years of detail oriented office management and customer service. She loves working with our clients every day and seeing their journey through adoption. She has four children of her own and spending time with her family is what she enjoys most when she isn’t working.

Barbara Draper, MSW, LSW

Adoption Social Worker

Barbara has a master’s degree in social work and 34 years of social work experience. She started her career with the Nevada State Division of Child & Family Services, first in child protective services, then foster care, and finally adoptions. Barbara has been an adoption social worker for over 26 years, six of those years with Adoption Choices of Nevada completing adoption home studies, supervising placements, and finalizing adoptions in court. She also was employed for six years as a trainer for the Understanding Infant Adoption Program, which offered training sessions throughout Nevada.

Mary Laman

Adoption Social Worker

My name is Mary Laman and I recently joined the staff at Adoption Choices of Nevada in July 2014. I will be working with adoptive parents, completing their home studies and post placement visits. I graduated from UNLV in December 2001 with a Bachelors degree in Social Work. My first social work position was with the State of Nevada working in the MOMS Program. This program served pregnant women on Medicaid ensuring that they were receiving appropriate medical care and given needed services to assist in a healthy pregnancy and baby. On November 1, 2003 I accepted a position with the State of Nevada as a social worker in foster care. I worked with parents, children and foster parents until my retirement in October 2013. I have resided in Nevada since 1979. I have been married for 39 years and have two children and five grandchildren who are the joy of my life. I am happy to join the staff at Adoption Choices of Nevada to assist and support adoptive parents in their adoption journey.

Brittney Gamble, MSW, LSW

Licensed Social Worker and Birth Parent Counselor

Brittney Gamble is a licensed social worker and Birth Parent Counselor with Adoption Choices. She earned her Bachelors degree of Social Work from Brigham Young University in 2008 and went on to complete the Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Program at Salem State University in 2012. She is passionate about working with families and has practiced social work in a variety of settings including in an elementary school, a family court, and two hospitals. Brittney’s adoption experience includes supporting families as post-adoption social worker and employment as a family case manager for the state of Massachusetts. Additionally, Brittney has three adopted siblings. Brittney’s hobbies include reading, traveling, and baking sweet treats. However, what Brittney loves most in life is to spend time with her family and her dog, Schnitzel.

Christina Smith

Birth Parent Case Manager

Christina has been a social worker for ten years. She attained her Bachelors Degree in Psychology in 2002 and then completed her Master Degree in Social Work in 2004. Christina started her social work career working for Child Protective Services ensuring the well being of abused and neglected children. She then worked as an adoptions social worker in the public sector assisting in finding forever families for foster children. After the public sector, Christina started working in domestic and international adoptions writing homestudies for adoptive families. Christina moved to Las Vegas in 2009 from Southern California. Christina has worked for Adoption Choices for about two years as a birth parent case manager as well as works with adoptive families in the homestudy process. Christina has a bright and outgoing son that is in the first grade. During her free time she enjoys traveling. She has traveled to over 50 countries worldwide.